Offering a vintage print from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, of a painting entitled Garden Flowers, attributed to the Chinese artist Chen Chun (1483–1544), a work from the Ming dynasty. The painting style is typical of traditional Chinese ink-play, focusing on spontaneous expression rather than strict realism. 

This framed print comes from the estate of a collector. It contains typed and handwritten notes on the back (unsigned), giving some of its history. See pictures for details.

Chen Chun, also known by the names Chen Shun and Chen Daofu. was a Ming dynasty artist, calligrapher, and poet. Born into a wealthy family of scholar-officials, he learned calligraphy from Wen Zhengming, one of the Four Masters of the Ming dynasty. Chen Chun later broke with Wen to favor a more freestyle method of ink wash painting. He was associated with the Wo School of literary painting. Mi Fu of the Song dynasty had a strong influence on his work.

Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644). This print is from a work from 1540.

The original work is an album of sixteen leaves, using ink and color on paper. 

Significance: Chen Chun was a master of the "ink plays" style, treating flowers as subjects for spontaneous "idea writings" and as reminders of the brevity of life and beauty. 

Chen Chun was known for transforming traditional flower paintings into uninhibited "ink plays" (uninhibited style of Chinese ink wash painting). This work, depicting daylilies, treats flowers not just as botanical specimens but also as reminders of the brevity of life.

Preowned. Good condition. This print shows crease-mark and other imperfections that exist in the original 1540 artwork. These are not wear or damage on the print, but reflecting the original. Metal and matte framing components are in good condition, showing little if any wear. Study pictures carefully for condition. Any vintage and/or preowned item can show wear or discoloration from use, display, storage, and time.